WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2015 43 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 44) promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. In-country assessment reports focused on validating, updating and adding extra information to the Desk Study report. Country teams conducted assessments according to plans developed during the planning workshop. Assessment reports and case studies combined primary and secondary data collection. Quantitative and qualitative information were also gathered from respondents, who were aquaculture farmers, key informants, women and girls and local authorities. Dissemination. Various events, mainly conferences and meetings, and communication and other media provided venues for dissemination of project results and recommendations. Results National policies supporting gender equality. A number of policies related to women’s empowerment and gender equality exist in various ways in each country. This is indicative of the concern and awareness at national government levels for gender equality and women’s empowerment. However, the level of integration and implementation at local levels is varied, depending on the capabilities of agencies and personnel concerned. In addition, the degree of focus on aquaculture and fisheries also varies (Table 1). Participation by gender in the aquaculture sector. The aim to have comprehensive gender- or sex-disaggregated data from project countries was not really achieved. The main reason was insufficient data specific to the aquaculture sector. Participation to a varying degree exists; however, going in-depth to obtain such data requires detailed planning with statistics and data collectors and sufficient time to collect information in the field. Secondary literature may be used but they are derived from selected studies and reports and may not be sufficiently comprehensive. In Cambodia, women are present throughout aquaculture TABLE 1. Examples of national policies and guidelines on gender and women’s equality in the ASEAN region. Country Policy Objectives Activities Cambodia Gender Strategic Plan Eliminate gender Established Women IV 2014-2018 disparities in wage in Development Centers (Women’s Economic employment Skills training Empowerment – MDG Scholarships Improve rural livelihoods Acceleration Framework) Code of Conduct for Recognition of the Gender mainstreaming Responsible Fisheries importance of the role in all fisheries activities (Camcode) of women in all activities Lao PDR Lao Women in Fisheries Mainstreaming gender Implement aquaculture Network into fisheries projects with women Gender integration at the Increase women Include women as team members Department of Livestock participation in technical for research on fish breeding, and Fisheries roles/positions spawning, nursing Thailand Women’s Development Promote gender equality Adopt policy at all Plan and women empowerment levels of government Office of Women Affairs Appoint gender focal points Coordinate the Strategic Intervention and Family Development and gender equality officers for the Promotion of Gender Equality Vietnam Gender Equality Law Elimination of gender Create a number of decrees to implement discrimination at various levels National Strategy on Strengthen women’s Provide men and Gender Equality representation in women equal access leadership and to education management Eliminate gender-based violence
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